Fence-post.



PATENTED JAN. 24, 1905. J. L. DILLON.

FENCE POST.

APPLIOAT ION FILED JUNE 14,1904.

.2 Z T J UNITED STATES Patented January 24, 1905.

PATENT OFFICE.

FENCE-POST.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 780,942, dated January 24, 1905.

Application filed June 14, 1904. Serial No. 212,521.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN LLOYD DILLoN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Bloomsburg, in the county of Columbia and State of Pennsylvania, have invented new and useful Improvements in Fence-Posts, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to fence-posts and the like; and the primary object of the same is to provide a composition post having specific reinforcing devices therein, the post being of such nature as to resist decay from the action of moisture and capable of receiving fastening devices and adapted foruse in fences or inclosure structures. The reinforcing devices are disposed longitudinally in the post between the center and the outer surfaces and completely surround the center to equally brace the post structure in all directions and resisttransverse fracture. .Posts have been constructed having reinforcing devices arranged only partially about the center or which strengthen the posts in one direction, and any blow or shock delivered thereto adjacent to the side or in the direction where the reinforcing devices are lacking will result in transversely fracturing or crushing such posts at intermediate points. The reinforcing devices in the post embodying the features of the invention are all disposed longitudinally and of equal length, and the terminals have distinct loops to facilitate the establishment of key means which prevent the reinforcing devices from slipping out of place, particularly in the formation of the post and the disposition of the said devices in place in the post. or eyes at the ends of the reinforcing devices will materially assist in holding the reinforcing devices in place during the molding or formative operations.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a transverse vertical section through a post embodying the features of the invention. Fig. 2 is a detail elevation of one of the reinforcing devices. Fig. 3 is a horizontal section through the complete post, showing the reinforcing devices arranged regularly around the center and between the latter and the opposite surfaces.

Furthermore, the terminal loops Similar numerals of reference are employed to indicate corresponding parts in the several views. 1 h

The post 1 is composed, preferably, of a miX- ture of sawdust, Portland cement, and coalashes in proper proportions and is molded or otherwise shaped. The contour of the post, as shown by the accompanying drawings, is square; but it will be understood that the shape may be modified as may be desired. Longitudinally disposed in the post are a series of small rods or wires 2, arranged about the center and embedded at a suitable distance inwardly from the outer surfaces of the post. The small rods or wires 2 provide reinforcing means for the post. and are of equal length, the terminals of the rods or wires being located adjacent to the opposite ends of the post. The opposite ends-of the terminals of the rods or wires 2 are bent to form loops or eyes 3, through which extends the material of which the post is composed, and after such material becomes hardened or indurate the said rods or wires will be firmly held against movement or displacement in the post. To

prevent the loops from loosening or becoming ineffective as holding means, the ends of the rods or wires are extended over the body ofthe latter, as clearly shownby Fig. 2, and are held by the hardened composition.

The reinforcing devices set forth are regularly arranged around the center of the post and strengthen the latter in all directions, and the said devices provide a skeleton framework Within the body of the post and render the latter strong and durable. It is also proposed to embed the reinforcing devices within the body of the post at such distance from the surfaces of the latter as not to interfere with the insertionof fastening devices which may be driven into the post.

The composition of the post is such that it may be cut by the use of a saw or other analogous implement and is also capable of having nails or other fastenings inserted therein with reliability.

The improved post has the same holding power or resistance as is resident in wood, with a material advantage that moisture does not in the least affect the post, and the latter may be embedded in the ground or otherwise supported in upright position.

The post is intended for general use, but is particularly adapted for service in localities Where moisture is present and to replace the ordinary Wooden posts, Which soon decay and have to be replaced at considerable expense.

A fence or other inclosure embodying the improved posts Will be rendered'as an entirety more durable and efficient, especially in view of the fact that the fastening devices securing the members of the fence and the several posts embodying the features of the invention Will not become loosened by the decay of the material therearound. Furthermore, the materials of which the post is composed are readily obtainable, and the cost of the manufacture thereof is reduced to a minimum.

In forming the post a suitable mold is preferably used, in Which the material in plastic condition is disposed and the reinforcing devices arranged regularly therein in the manner shown.

It will be understood that changes in the proportions of botlr the post and the reinforcing devices may be adapted at will.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim is 1. A composition posthaving reinforcing devices, longitudinally disposed therein, said devices being formed with looped terminals projected at right angles to the body of the device and having the ends thereof extended beyond said body opposite to the said loops.

2. A reinforcing device for fence-posts comprising a body made of a single length of wire having its ends bent into a loop projected at right angles to the body with the free end ol the wire projected beyond the body in a direction reverse to the loop extension.

in testimony whereof I ailix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

JOHN LLOY l) l) l LLON.

\Vitnesses:

Geo. FRANK Ztnennn, Born \VnLLs FURMAN. 

